A Second, First Name?

What if.. our names are not our true names?

In the movie Earthsea, the main character is given a new name once he accepts his destiny. Sparrow hawk. It is a secret name -because the name can be used to control him if in the wrong hands- but he is given it nonetheless.

Okay, enough fairy tales now...

In the Old Testament we see something quite similar, just without all the fantasy and magic. Abram, once he made a covenant with God to obey Him in order to receive God’s blessing, became Abraham. Likewise, Sarai became Sarah.

In the New Testament as well, we read of a man named Saul. Saul was a murderer who led the hunt and slaughter against the Lord’s disciples and followers. But, after an encounter with Jesus that turned his life around, he became Paul.

We are all “Saul” in a way. Before we accept Christ, we are sinners just like Saul. But, once we realize who Christ is and invite Him to transform our lives, perhaps we too receive different names than the names given to us at birth?

I wonder what my name became...

Guess I’ll find out in heaven. :)

~LLP